The SEAT León II (1P) facelift, produced from 2009 to 2012, represents a significant evolution of SEAT’s compact hatchback. While SEAT is a Spanish automobile manufacturer, the León was primarily marketed throughout Europe as a competitor to vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra. The “FR” trim level denoted a sportier variant, and the 2.0 TDI CR (170 Hp) DPF DSG model combined a powerful common rail diesel engine with a dual-clutch gearbox and particulate filter, offering a blend of performance and efficiency. This model was not officially sold in the United States, but understanding its specifications provides insight into the European compact car market of the late 2000s and early 2010s.
SEAT León II (1P) FR 2.0 TDI CR: Overview
The León II facelift built upon the success of the original 1P platform, introducing revised styling, improved interior materials, and updated engine options. The FR trim, standing for “Formula Racing,” added a more aggressive aesthetic package and sport-tuned suspension. The 2.0 TDI CR engine, utilizing common rail direct injection, was a key component of the FR model, delivering strong torque and respectable horsepower for its size. The inclusion of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) addressed growing environmental concerns, while the Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) provided quick and seamless gear changes.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the León FR 2.0 TDI CR is its 1968 cc inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the CEGA code. This engine produces 170 horsepower at 4200 rpm and a substantial 350 Nm (258.15 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1800 rpm. The common rail direct injection system optimizes fuel delivery for improved efficiency and power output. A turbocharger with an intercooler further enhances performance. This powertrain configuration allows for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 8 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 7.6 seconds, with a maximum speed of 214 km/h (132.97 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 7.9 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 3.8 kg/Nm, contributing to a responsive driving experience. Fuel economy is rated at 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg) combined, with 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg) in urban conditions and 4.8 l/100 km (49 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle. CO2 emissions are rated at 148 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards.
Design & Features
The SEAT León II (1P) facelift is a five-door hatchback, offering seating for five passengers. The FR trim level distinguishes itself with unique styling cues, including a sportier front bumper, side skirts, rear diffuser, and often, alloy wheels. The interior features sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedal caps. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The hatchback body style provides practicality with a trunk (boot) space ranging from 341 liters (12.04 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 1166 liters (41.18 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4323 mm (170.2 in) in length, 1768 mm (69.61 in) in width, and 1458 mm (57.4 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2578 mm (101.5 in). The front suspension utilizes a McPherson strut setup, while the rear employs an independent multi-link suspension, contributing to improved handling and ride comfort.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Leon |
| Generation | Leon II (1P, facelift 2009) |
| Type (Engine) | FR 2.0 TDI CR (170 Hp) DPF DSG |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.8 l/100 km (49 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 148 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 214 km/h (132.97 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 170 Hp @ 4200 rpm |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1800 rpm (258.15 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CEGA |
| Engine displacement | 1968 cm3 (120.09 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95.5 mm (3.76 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1345 kg (2965.22 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1915 kg (4221.85 lbs.) |
| Max load | 570 kg (1256.63 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 341 l (12.04 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1166 l (41.18 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4323 mm (170.2 in.) |
| Width | 1768 mm (69.61 in.) |
| Height | 1458 mm (57.4 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2578 mm (101.5 in.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission DSG |
The SEAT León II (1P) FR 2.0 TDI CR represented a compelling package for European drivers seeking a sporty, efficient, and practical hatchback. Its combination of a powerful diesel engine, advanced transmission technology, and refined styling made it a popular choice in its segment.
